Gunar Gossard with BLM Group USA

Scott MacKenzie hosts an episode of the Industrial Talk podcast from Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, highlighting innovations and trends in the manufacturing industry. Gunar Gossard from BLM Group discusses their cutting-edge technology, including laser-cutting tubes and a four-person arcade game made using their equipment. Gossard explains the advancements in laser technology, such as reduced production time and improved edge quality, and the integration of automation and AI in manufacturing processes. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and easy programming for robots in modern fabrication. Gossard provides his contact information for those interested in learning more about BLM Group's products and services.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Gunar Gossard at G.Gossard@BLMGroupUSA.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Outline

Fabtech Conference Overview and Introduction

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing the importance of celebrating industrial professionals who innovate and solve problems.
• Scott highlights the Fabtech conference in Orlando, Florida, describing it as a must-attend event with a wide range of innovations and technologies.
• Scott introduces Gunar Gossard from the BLM Group, setting the stage for a discussion about their products and experiences at the conference.
• Gunar Gossard shares his positive experience at the conference, noting initial concerns about overstaffing and how the booth filled up by 10:30 AM.

BLM Group's Innovative Products

• Scott MacKenzie showcases BLM Group's on-site manufacturing of laser-cut tubes, emphasizing the precision and quality of their products.
• Gunar Gossard explains the "round ball" product, which comes in sizes from half an inch to 12 inches and is a popular conversation piece.
• The design of the "round ball" has evolved over the years, with various logos and etchings to mark different events and locations.
• Gunner describes the process of etching designs on the tubes using laser technology, highlighting the creativity and technical expertise involved.

Creative Applications and Arcade Game

• Gunar discusses the creative applications of their technology, including an arcade game made using cut-and-fold technology on laser-cut flat sheets.
• The arcade game, which does not require welding, showcases the versatility and precision of their manufacturing processes.
• Scott MacKenzie expresses his excitement about the innovative products and the creative thinking behind them.
• Gunner provides a brief background on himself, mentioning his role at BLM Group and his responsibilities across North America.

Advancements in Laser Technology

• Gunar Gossard explains the significant advancements in laser technology over the past 12 years, including the integration of multiple processes into one.
• He highlights the benefits of using assist gasses like nitrogen and high-pressure dry air, which improve edge quality and reduce secondary operations.
• The conversation touches on the comparison between laser, plasma, and water jet cutting, emphasizing the speed and quality advantages of laser technology.
• Gunar discusses the limitations of laser cutting for thicker materials and the ongoing developments to push these limits further.

Future of Manufacturing and Automation

• Gunar shares his vision for the future of manufacturing, focusing on automation and the integration of robots with their machines.
• He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and easy programming for robots to meet the needs of different fabricators.
• The discussion includes the potential role of AI in processing data quickly and providing insights for better decision-making.
• Gunar notes that while the specifics of AI's impact are still unclear, the industry is moving towards more efficient data processing and automation.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, expressing his excitement about the future of manufacturing and the innovative products showcased at Fabtech.
• Gunar Gossard provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about BLM Group's products and services.
• Scott encourages listeners to visit the Industrial Talk website for more information and to stay tuned for future conversations from Fabtech.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of celebrating industrial professionals and the positive impact they have on the world.